vitamin-b-12 and Hyperparathyroidism

Falls and fractures constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Although falls and fractures share similar risk factors, there is no integrated approach to identifying secondary causes of both entities. We report a cost-effective approach to identify metabolic causes of falls and fractures in the clinical setting.. Falls and fractures are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Metabolic disorders contributing to the combined risk of falls and fractures are frequent but often go undetected. The most efficient and cost-effective laboratory screening strategy to unmask these disorders remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the most cost-effective laboratory tests to detect undiagnosed metabolic contributors and to decide treatment of these disorders in older persons.. This is a cross-sectional study design, which included all participants attending the Falls & Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, Australia) between 2008 and 2013. Chemistry profile included 25(OH) vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, vitamin B-12, folate, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for all patients, and serum testosterone in men. The number of new diagnoses identified and their cost-effectiveness (cost in US$ per patient screened and cost per new diagnosis) were calculated.. A total of 739 participants (mean age 79, 71 % female) were assessed. Among 233 participants with complete laboratory tests, previously undiagnosed disorders were identified in 148 (63.5 %). Vitamin D deficiency (27 %) and hyperparathyroidism (21.5 %) were the most frequent diagnoses. A testing strategy including serum vitamin D, calcium, PTH, creatinine/estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and TSH for all patients and serum testosterone in men would have been sufficient to identify secondary causes of falls and fractures in 94 % of patients at an estimated cost of $190.19 per patient screened and $257.64 per diagnosis.. The minimum cost-effective battery for occult metabolic disorders in older adults at risk of falls and fractures should include serum vitamin D, PTH, TSH, creatinine/eGFR, testosterone (in men), and calcium.

Topics: Accidental Falls; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Australia; Blood Chemical Analysis; Calcium; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Creatinine; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Folic Acid; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism; Male; Metabolic Diseases; Middle Aged; Parathyroid Hormone; Phosphates; Risk Factors; Serum Albumin; Testosterone; Thyrotropin; Vitamin B 12; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency

Severe osteomalacia with secondary hyperparathyroidism was observed in a 19-year-old mentally retarded girl, who had been treated for several years with antiepileptic drugs. Vitamin D3 orally administered in low doses led to complete reversal of all symptoms and normalization of blood chemistry, X-ray pictures demonstrated healing of all lesions. It is suggested that the alterations of vitamin-D metabolism occuring during the administration of phenobarbital and hydantion are of importance only in patients with an already lowered intake of vitamin D3 or reduced exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Topics: Adult; Anticonvulsants; Bicarbonates; Blood Proteins; Calcium; Cholecalciferol; Cholesterol; Creatinine; Female; Fractures, Bone; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism; Osteomalacia; Vitamin B 12

Topics: Anemia; Anemia, Pernicious; Corrinoids; Cortisone; Dogs; Duodenum; Hematinics; Hyperparathyroidism; Intrinsic Factor; Pathology; Research; Stomach Ulcer; Thyroidectomy; Vitamin B 12